A question about Welding Schools

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Hi everyone,I'm trying to get into a welding school and was hoping to hear any feedback from forum members about the their experiences. I have read up on the Tulsa Welding School and that seems to be the 1st choice for me. I'm in Houston and if anyone knows of great welding schools down here please don't hesitate to tell me about it. Thanks
Reply:DO YOUR RESEARCH! This is not meant as yelling at you but rather a caution to be wary of what claims ANY school makes! With the economy as weak as it is, there are unscrupulous people out there just waiting to make a buck off of someone trying to get ahead. I taught at a good welding school for a couple of summers and I have talked to people who have been screwed by one that was not so good. Take any claims a school makes with a heavy dose of skepticism. First place to start would be with the state board of education to find out if they are accredited or the Better Business Bureau to check for dissatisfied former students. Make sure they offer courses geared to your intended field.  Ask for verification of any claims made, especially in the area of job placement. Take a tour of their facilities and get a chance to talk to some of the students alone. See that the school has reasonably modern equipment. It doesn't all have to be brand new but they should have some inverters in their lineup. Find out what their safety and attendance policies are and how they enforce them. Ask about the related items of study such as safety classes like the OSHA 10 Hour course, use of tools including but not limited to a cutting torch, blueprint reading, layout basics and possibly an introductory pipe fitting class. What are the class sizes and the number of instructors? What are their benchmarks for advancement to the next level? Will you be required to pass bend tests and if so, how many? Finally, try contacting area employers to find out what they think about the level of skill the school's students displayed if hired.I know some of this information is somewhat subjective but it is still useful in making a determination about the quality of the school. Do a thorough job of investigating the integrity of the school and you should be well on your way to becoming a skilled and productive welder. Do not think that because you graduated from a welding school that you are ready for "prime time". You will still have to pass a welding test most anywhere you go and will spend time developing all the necessary skills and tricks of the trade that will make you valuable to an employer. This could very well mean spending a lot of time with a grinder in your hand, among others.Never give up! Welding is not the easiest job by any means but it can be very rewarding and often times pays quite well. Remember that you will only get out of a welding course what you put into it! This means study hard and pay attention. Treat your schooling the same as you would a job. Work hard, listen, show up each day and on time. Dress as you are required and follow ALL safety rules. Hope this helps. Good luck, Bob."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Try asking if you can take a tour maybe shadow for a day of class. in my experience most instructors are pretty accommodating when it comes to prospective students. Pay attention to the conditions of the shop is it a mess is everyone just milling around or are they working productively and do you notice any obvious safety issues. And don't be afraid to ask about the background of the instructor. In my opinion a weld school should be run like an employer and hold the students to the same standards.
Reply:Make sure that you actually talk to the career placement manager in his office if you visit Tulsa.  It is not the 90%+ that they claim.
Reply:Make sure you get a SYLLABUS or COURSE OUTLINE in writing, before payin' yer cash. My biggest gripe with my school is they have no such thing, making time management difficult to impossible, especially for a newbe without ANY welding background.XMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.